I’m Gerene Keesler, a Tampa native with over 30 years of experience in college admissions and the founder of Admissions Untangled. My mission is to guide students through every step of the college process with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
Having worked in both undergraduate and graduate admissions, I’ve helped countless students refine essays, practice interviews, and find their best-fit schools. My approach is shaped by my own journey—diagnosed later in life as being on the autism spectrum and living with epilepsy, I understand firsthand how vital self-advocacy and support are to student success.
I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Loyola University New Orleans, where I discovered my passion for admissions and student guidance. I also hold a College Counseling Certificate from UC San Diego and am certified in Cognitive Coaching. Additionally, I’m a professional member of IECA and HECA, two professional organizations for college consultants.
When I’m not helping students untangle their admissions paths, you’ll find me at a book club, at the dog park with my poodle, or planning my next adventure.
Admissions Untangled provides personalized, strategic college guidance for all students, with specialized expertise supporting neurodivergent learners and students with ADHD, and deep knowledge of top-tier, UC, and Florida university systems.
Agnes Scott
Beacon College
Berry College
Beloit College
Cornell University
DePaul University
Eckerd College
Embry Riddle
Emory
Florida Institute of Technology
Florida State
Georgia Tech
High Point University
Jacksonville University
Lawence University
Lynn University
Loyola University, Chicago
Marquette University
Nova University
Rice University
Ripon College
Rollins College
Santa Clara University
St Mary’s University of San Antonio
Stanford University
Stetson University
University of Florida
University of Miami
University of North Florida
University of San Francisco
University of South Florida
University of Tampa
UT-Austin
Wake Forest University
University of Wisconsin-Madison
By Gerene Keesler
Growing up, I always knew I was different. I had a very anti-medical family who couldn’t accept that I was differently-abled and had epilepsy, let alone the four brain injuries I’d find out about in my early 30’s. I heard my parents “couldn’t handle it”, while stressing to my now late father, that “handle it” is their job…Read the Article >>
By Gerene Keesler
Growing up, and throughout my teenage years, I always knew I was different. My family couldn’t accept that I was different medically or had epilepsy. I heard my parents “couldn’t handle it,” even though I tried to express to my now late father that “handling it” was their job as my parents. I didn’t understand why I studied as long as the A students, my closest friends, yet I constantly received a grade of C or lower, especially if the subject was math or science…Read the Article >>
Your differences don’t make you any less than the person beside you. It might be a journey navigating those differences and working through them, though there’s people willing to support you. Gerene Keesler, a college counselor and founder of Admissions Untangled, grew up feeling less than for the majority of her life. That increased dramatically when she went to college. Through it all she still managed to push through and get 2 degrees.
It wasn’t until she was recognized as neurodiverse that everything started to make sense in her life. Gerene now works to help make the college experience for students a much easier and enjoyable process. On this episode of Success is Subjective, Gerene joins Joanna to share her experience going through school feeling alone and confused in her struggles. The persistence that Gerene has shown through her journey will be sure to inspire you. Listen in for more insight on Gerene’s story as she navigated life before and after a diagnosis.
Admissions Untangled can be the key to unlocking your academic potential. Whether you’re a student seeking guidance or a parent looking to support your child’s educational journey, Admissions Untangled is here to make the process transparent, manageable, and successful.
Contact me directly to discuss how we can make an individualized plan for you.
